Cathedral Square

This project, which included the removal of a tower block to create public space, has completely changed perceptions of the city centre, and provided a catalyst to attract new business. This accomplished and confident scheme is the product of a clearly expressed concept translated into an elegant and understated spatial design complementing historic buildings. The design successfully “decluttersâ€ an under-used asset, creating a modern but appropriate setting for urban life.

Overview

  • Project Name

    Cathedral Square

  • Location

    Peterborough

  • Category

    Parks and gardens

  • Landscape Architect

    LDA Design Consulting Ltd

  • Client

    Opportunity Peterborough/Peterborough City Council.

  • Brief

    The aim of the project was to transform this historic city centre square which had become fragmented by roads and suffered from a poor quality public realm, to create a dynamic space with clarity of purpose, special character and social opportunity.

  • Awards

    LI Awards 2012 - Design 1-5 ha - Highly Commended

Details

  • Project Team

    Landscape architect: LDA Design. | Lighting: Sutton Vane Associates. | Engineer: Pell Frischman. | Accessibility: Centre for Accessible Environments. | Contract administration: Peterborough City Council.

  • Local planning authority or government body

    Peterborough Council

  • Year Completed

    2010

  • Project Size

    1.1 Ha

  • Contract Value

    '£4.5m

Technicals

  • Materials

    Materials used create a unifying platform, drawing together the richness and variety of the surrounding built environment. Bespoke seating was created using large section timbers, inspired by the interior structure of the cathedral roof. A large flexible surface was created with a grid of water jets, flush with the pavement, which can be switched off when the space is needed for events. The fragmentation of the space by the road was overcome by creating a shared space through continuity of detail, which required considerable consultation and detailed design development to accommodate accessibility obligations.

  • Contractors

    Contractor: Osbourne.

  • LDA Design Consulting Ltd

    Registered Practice - (21 + Employees)
    Profile

  • Approximate Map Location

    Location

    Peterborough

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